Name: Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 head of butterhead, green leaf, or Romaine lettuce; 1 cup mixed fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, water chestnuts), finely diced; 1/4 cup peanut butter; 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1-2 tsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced; Optional garnishes: chopped peanuts, green onions, fresh coriander, lime wedges

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Short description

I love how these Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce deliver bold Asian flavors in under 30 minutes. They feature lean chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy-savoury peanut sauce—all wrapped in fresh lettuce for a light, satisfying meal.

Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how quick these wraps come together, perfect for a busy weeknight. The lettuce cups make it a low‑carb dinner without sacrificing flavor. The creamy peanut‑soy sauce with a hint of spice ties everything together, and the build‑your‑own style makes these wraps a hit at family dinners or casual gatherings.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast, cut into bite‑sized pieces
Butterhead (or green leaf/Romaine) lettuce
Fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, water chestnuts)
Peanut butter
Soy sauce
Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
Fresh garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, minced
Garnishes: chopped peanuts, green onions, fresh coriander, lime wedges

directions

Make the peanut sauce. In a bowl, I whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, Sriracha, minced garlic, and ginger. I sometimes add chili flakes for more heat or hoisin and sweet chili sauce for extra sweetness.
Cook the chicken. I heat a wok or heavy skillet over medium heat, add the chicken pieces, and cook until browned and fully done.
Add vegetables. I stir in finely diced vegetables so they mix smoothly with the chicken.
Combine with sauce. I pour the peanut sauce into the pan and let it simmer until the chicken and vegetables are well coated.
Prepare lettuce. I wash, dry, and separate the lettuce leaves.
Assemble wraps. I spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce cups and top with chopped peanuts, green onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lime.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 4 (2 wraps per person)
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for turkey, tofu, or minced shrimp for a different protein twist.
Add veggies like mushrooms, baby corn, snap peas, or bamboo shoots.
Change up the sauce by using hoisin, sweet chili, or adding rice vinegar for tang.
For extra crunch, I like adding crispy rice noodles or toasted sesame seeds.

storage/reheating

To store: I keep leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Lettuce leaves go in a separate container to stay fresh.
To reheat: I warm the filling in a skillet or microwave until hot, then fill fresh lettuce leaves just before eating.

FAQs

What lettuce is best for wraps?

I prefer butterhead or green leaf lettuce—they’re soft yet sturdy, perfect for wrapping and holding the filling.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I replace the chicken with tofu or a mix of mushrooms and follow the same cooking method.

Is the sauce gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I prep this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely—I prepare the filling in advance and store it separately from the lettuce. I assemble the wraps fresh when I’m ready to eat.

How spicy is it, and can I adjust?

It has a mild kick from Sriracha. I control the heat easily by adding more or less, or leaving it out entirely for a milder version.

Conclusion

These Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are always a hit in my kitchen. They’re fast, customizable, and full of bold flavors. I love serving them for dinner or meal prep—healthy, delicious, and never boring.

Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

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Author: Chef Sara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 (2 wraps per person)

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Description

These Easy Chinese Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce deliver bold Asian flavors in under 30 minutes, featuring lean chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy-savory peanut sauce all wrapped in fresh lettuce for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 head of butterhead, green leaf, or Romaine lettuce

1 cup mixed fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, water chestnuts), finely diced

1/4 cup peanut butter

3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1–2 tsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Optional garnishes: chopped peanuts, green onions, fresh coriander, lime wedges

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, Sriracha, minced garlic, and ginger to make the peanut sauce.
Heat a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked.
Add the finely diced vegetables and stir to combine with the chicken.
Pour the peanut sauce into the pan and simmer until the chicken and vegetables are well coated.
Wash, dry, and separate lettuce leaves.
Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce cups and top with desired garnishes like peanuts, green onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lime.